Postcard of reality

My daughter and I were talking recently and I said that I would send her a postcard from my upcoming trip that read, "Wish you were here. Opps! You weren't invited." She didn't take kindly to this. However as a single mom, it is important for my daughter and I to have time apart. Time apart is good for any relationship. It allows two or more people to regroup, recreate appreciation for the other(s) and recommit to the relationship. I know that I will miss my daughter when I am away and she will miss me. Also, I know each of us will be glad to be apart from the other since of late we have been on each other's cases a lot. A little peach goes along way!

The importance of downtime....

Having downtime is important. Why? Because it recharges our brains, increases our productivity and boost our creativity according to science. Down time can be as complex as a two week vacation to some exotic destination or as simple as an afternoon at a museum. I try to make a point of seeing museums exhibitions that interest me or museums that are to my liking. Ancient gold, modern jewelry and even mid century furniture inspire me and recharge my brain. So what is your next downtime.

What Tinkerbell Taught me about authority...

I am not referring to the Tinkerbell of Disney or Peter Pan's fairy sidekick. I am referring to Tinkerbell, the Clydesdale at the stable where I take riding lessons. At my last lesson, she wanted to stop and occasionally stop and snack. To get her to move or keep moving, I had to use a stern voice and a swift hand on her side. Tinkerbell taught me that authority comes out of a stern voice and swift actions. As my daughter heads in to her teenage years and if she is like me, this lesson well be in use.

Doing the unthinkable

Last nifgt I took my daughter and her BFF to a concert. This isn't the unthinkable. The seats were high up and I am afraid of heights. Despite my fear, I sat in my seat (after I got acclimated) and enjoyed the concert. I did the unthinkable by pushing aside my fear. The best part is that I taught my daughter and her friend that fears don't have to control you. I didn't wake up this morning with my fear gone, but woke up knowing that I can be up high despite my fear. However, I don't plan on walking a high wire anytime soon.

R&R

This traditionally means rest and relaxation. In my house I am teaching my 11 y.o. teenage daughter that it means respect and responsibility. Respect is for others and their belongings. Responsibility is for accepting her role in a situation and not to be quick to blame others. So far, my new travel coffee mug has been used twice without asking. I still have some teaching to do. Even though the school year ends tomorrow, my daughter still has some learning to do.

A great quote.....

"Remember all things are possible for those who believe." --Gail Devers, Olympic Champion

What gives?

I spent yesterday in bed with a head cold and even made myself chicken soup. Today I had several meetings and worked on my newsletter article in between. With all that has been going on for the last two days, can someone explain why my house can't function with me at the helm? What's going to happen when I travel this summer and leave the house, kid and dog behind with adult supervision? I just hope the plants get watered and don't die.